Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#3232: Tiger Tiger Noodles In No Time Pad Thai – United Kingdom

#3232: Tiger Tiger Noodles In No Time Pad Thai - United Kingdom

Found this one at Walmart here in the area. Actually it was a Walmart Market – basically just groceries. Figured what the heck – it looks interesting. Shall we? ...see full post

#3231: Myojo Ippeichan Yakisoba – Japan

#3231: Myojo Ippeichan Yakisoba - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription! ...see full post

#3230: Ve Wong Dah Wei Wang Instant Noodles Artificial Premium Garlic Pork Flavor – Taiwan

#3230: Ve Wong Dah Wei Wang Instant Noodles Artificial Premium Garlic Pork Flavor - Taiwan

During my 2017 trip to Taiwan, I visited a 7-Eleven in Taipei. I pointed out a variety and my friend corrected my speech. I thought for years this brand was Ve Wong – pronounced vee wong. Actually, it’s more like way wong. It appears I was way wrong on this. But now I know! Yeah, poor joke. Roll your eyes and let’s have a look at this neat variety! ...see full post

#3229: Buitoni Yakisoba Gusto Classico – Italy

#3229: Buitoni Yakisoba Gusto Classico - Italy

One of the very last varieties sent by the Butlers from their trip to Italy – thanks again! Yup – Italian yakisoba! Not something you’d expect, eh? Well here it is and I think we’ll just have to crack it open and take a look – let’s do it! ...see full post

#3228: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Hot Korean Flavour – Thailand

#3228: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Hot Korean Flavour - Thailand

The spicy fire trend reaches everywhere – here’s one from MAMA of Thailand now! It’s nice to see honestly; people really seem to like it hot and that’s something for years that wasn’t really offered. Something ‘hot and spicy’ was often anything but. Let’s see if this one packs a punch! ...see full post

#3227: Ebisoba Ichigen Miso – Japan

#3227: Ebisoba Ichigen Miso - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription! ...see full post

Zenpop Pack & Special Contest – August 2019

Dig on ramen? Check out one of these neat Zenpop boxes! Use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3226: Hite Ramen Cup Noodle Soup – Russia

#3226: Hite Ramen Cup Noodle Soup - Russia

When I used to drink (and I was very good at it, mind you), I would often try beers from different countries. One I remember from South Korea was Hite beer. It’s pretty good stuff – they had them in cans and bottles and then in these huge plastic jugs which I would get from time to time. This one’s a private label variety from Samyang Foods that came in a recent box from them. Very curious about this one – let’s give it a looksie… ...see full post

Umai Crate Japanese Instant Noodles July 2019 Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater

Hey look – another Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! This one came today and we brought it inside set up the lights, shot the video, edited it and boom here it is! Lots of neat stuff in this box! Check it out! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/umaicrate
Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for extra discount! ...see full post

#3225: Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa – Japan

#3225L Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Laksa, a spicy noodle soup dish of Singapore, joins Zenpop Ramen this month to try and win the Zenpop Ramen Cup. The creamy coconut flavor is spiced up with chili and coriander. How do you like this iconic Asian taste?’ ...see full post

#3224: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup – Canada

#3124: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup - Canada

Another one from the Real Canadian SuperStore! Man, I just ran my knee into a metal bar that supports my desk. That really hurt. I’ve been doing a lot of walking yesterday – on my birthday last week I did 18,000+ steps – yesterday I did over 15,000. I’m knee deep into trying to walk as much as possible. I think by the time this post comes out I’ll have lost a lot more weight. I started in November, 2018. I was wearing size 48 pants – yeah… It’s March and I’m down to 42, so we shall see where I’m at then… Been trying to stick around 1,200 calories a day too… I’m going to bake some chicken to go with this one. I like chicken. Let’s look at this one. ...see full post

#3223: New Touch Natsukashi Shoyu Ramen – Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Chicken based shoyu ramen – the kind that makes you cherish your memory eating your first shoyu ramen. (natsukoshi roughly means nostalgic). This is like the ramen you see being waten at yatai food stalls set up on streets by characters in some anime. Chopped chashu (roast pork) goes well with this simple, most enjoyed ramen.’ ...see full post

#3222: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Vegetable Flavor – United States

#3222: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Vegetable Flavor - United States

This is an interesting one. Made in China for the US market. I found this one at a Fred Meyer supermarket here in Lynnwood – the last place I’d expect to see something like this. Not a complaint by any means – nice to see more diversity at domestic grocery stores. Curious what vegetable this one will taste like – broccoli? Peas? Bell peppers? Let’s find out! ...see full post

#3221: Samyang Foods Buldak Topokki Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen – South Korea

#3221: Samyang Foods Buldak Topokki Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen - South Korea

Spicy stuff! So this one is the latest of the standard pillow pack varieties of the ‘fire noodle’ series. For those of you who don’t know what topokki is, here’s a little something from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3220: New Touch Negi Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#3220: New Touch Negi Shoyu Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This ramen was first released by New Touch in 1985: It has stuck around so long because it is a delicious twist on the classic shoyu ramen. With extra negi (green onion) and just a touch of spicy (“pirikara in Japanese) this is a simple yet satisfying bowl of noodles.’ ...see full post

#3219: Kinchan Squid Yakisoba – Japan

#3122: Kinchan Squid Yakisoba - Japan

Here’s another one sent by the company – thank you! I’ve had quite a few squid yakisoba varieties. This one though is by a different brand – all the others were by the same brand, so this should be a bit different. Having trouble thinking of what to say here; just had a hellstorm with a WordPress update and it’s fixed so feeling happy right now. Sorry! Anyways, let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3218: Nakaki Foods Tomato Ramen – Japan

#3218: Nakaki Foods Tomato Ramen - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3217: Bowlfull Beef Flavour Instant Noodle Soup – Canada

#3217: Bowlfull Beef Flavour Instant Noodle Soup - Canada

Found this at Dollarama, a dollar store up in Canada. A cup of beef. See the little microwave icon on the lower right? We don’t have a microwave currently. Our old one was 20 years old, give or take a year and I though ‘hey – we should get a new one.’ It seemed to be cooking things inconsistently so we went and ordered a new one. It was all screwed up so we returned it last night. Found another one which was really neat! Got it home, lugged it in, opened it up to see this – ...see full post

#3216: Sapporo Ichiban Small Fried Shrimp Soba – Japan

#3216: Sapporo Ichiban Small Fried Shrimp Soba - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3215: MyKuali Vegetarian Penang White Curry Noodle – Malaysia

#3215: MyKuali Vegetarian Penang White Curry Noodle - Malaysia

I’m starting to feel like with the sheer amount of products I’m finding lately that a list for vegetarian people might not be too far off. But we’ll see. A lot of companies (including MyKuali as you can see here) are getting on board with catering to the Vegetarian folks. Let’s see what the differences are going to be with this one. ...see full post

Mom’s Dry Noodle / Blue Elephant Curries From Taiwan!

Mom's Dry Noodle / Blue Elephart Curries From Taiwan!

Check this out! Top Ten listers Mom’s Dry Noodles have collaborated iwth a Thai company to make a couple neat curry varieties! They’ve not done anything non-Taiwanese styled before, so this should be interesting – check out the unboxing video! ...see full post

#3214: Lau Liu Tou Beef Flavor Spicy Soup – China

#3214: Lau Liu Tou Beef Flavor Spicy Soup - China

Another one from my trips to Chin World up in Richmond, BC. Remember kids, if you’re coming from the states, bring your Canadian cash because they’re not going to take your cards or exchange your greenbacks for ya! Really interested in how this one’s going to be – last one I tried wasn’t too shabby from this brand so let’s take a look! ...see full post

#3213: Atomy Potato Vegetable Ramen – South Korea

#3213: Atomy Potato Vegetable Ramen - South Korea

Got an email from a reader named Donald J about this one and he wanted to send a sample – well, here it is! Thanks! Always very interested in Korean varieties – especially ones I’ve not seen before! ...see full post

#3212: Marutai Kagoshima Black Pork Tonkotsu – Japan

#3212: Marutai Kagoshima Black Pork Tonkotsu - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription!Here’s what they had to say about this particular variety – “Kagoshima prefecture is located towards the souther part of Kyushu Island and is defined by it’s proximity to the sea. ...see full post

#3211: MyKuali Penang Gaeng Som Noodle – Malaysia

#3211: MyKuali Penang Gaeng Som Noodle - Malaysia

Well look here  something brand new from MyKuali! I think the last new thing they introduced was their fried noodle – their mee goreng. This one though – I’ve never heard of this before. Let’s look at Wikipedia and see what we can find – ...see full post

#3210: Prima Taste Singapore Prawn Soup La Mian – Singapore

#3210: Prima Taste Singapore Prawn Soup La Mian - Singapore

Today I’m reviewing the third iteration of this variety from Singapore. I really like good prawn flavor and hoping this one blows my mind like Prima Taste’s other varieties. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3209: Itsuki Kuromayu Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3209: Itsuki Kuromayu Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription! ...see full post

#3208: Myojo Bari-Kata Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3208: Myojo Bari-Kata Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Hard, thin, straight noodle fits excellently with thick and rich tonkotsu soup. In Japanese ramen shops, we can choose the hardness of the ramen noodles! Cook this for only one minute to experience the ‘barikata’ noodles!’ ...see full post

#3207: Sichuan Baijia Burning Dry Noodles Chili Oil Flavor – China

#3207: Sichuan Baijia Burning Dry Noodles Chili Oil Flavor - China

Alright so here’s one we found up in Canada at China Worlsd in Richmond, BC. That’s a really fascinating store with lots of products I’ve never seen before. But hey if you go there – bring cash if you’re coming from the US – and make sure it’s Canadian cash! Let’s get started. ...see full post

#3206: Myojo Garlic Tamari Shoyu Yakisoba – Japan

#3206: Myojo Garlic Tamari Shoyu Yakisoba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘There are mainly two kinds of yakisoba in Japan: sauce and salt flavors. This one is sauce yakisoba with a great mixture of browned garlic and Tamari shoyu, which is said to have a much thicker and milder taste than regular shoyu. Add the mayonnaise and stir them well to make the perfect yakisoba – universally loved in Japan.’ ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

It’s that time again – time to run down the worst varieties I’ve ever had. That’s no small task either – this list is current as of review #3180. These are the ten worst ones, in my opinion, leaving a lasting negative impression on my taste buds. With that, I again give you what you want. ...see full post

Unboxing The July 2019 Zenpop Summer Sampler Pack – Japan

Dig on ramen? Check out one of these neat Zenpop boxes! Use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3205: EasyBab Hot Chicken Flavor Noodles And Rice – South Korea

#3205: EasyBab Hot Chicken Flavor Noodles And Rice - South Korea

Here’s a spin on the fire noodle – a cook in bag noodle with rice. Definitely something different, that’s for sure! I mean, it’s one thing to copy something, but this isn’t that – it’s unique and hopefully really good – let’s find out! ...see full post

#3204: Nissin Edo Soba – Japan

#3148: Nissin Edo Soba - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin variety – ...see full post

#3203: Mama Pat’s Chicken Fajita Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles – United States

#3203: Mama Pat's Chicken Fajita Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles - United States

Here’s something new from MAma Pat’s – cups! I recently reviewed the chicken taco variety and was disappointed that they removed the vegetable sachets from their packs. Well, they’re still in these cups and that should be interesting. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3202: Red Chef Pandan White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) – Malaysia

Red Chef Pandan White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) - Malaysia

I was contacted by Red Chef and told they have changed their recipe for this one and that they’d like to send samples. Well, here’s one of them! Really curious how it will be. But first thing s first – what’s pandan? Here’s a bit from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3201: Tian Ling Ling Dried Noodles With Shallot Sauce – Taiwan

#3299: Yonghai Dried Noodles With Shallot Sauce - Taiwan

The second of two varieties sent by Yonghai – thanks again! The first had a wide noodle, this one looks to be much thinner. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

Spices & Seasonings For Ramen Noodles – 2019 Edition

Every day when I review, I gather togethr the things I’m going to use when I garnish. Many of them are dry spices and seasonings. I try to get everything together prior to doing an episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time. ...see full post

#3200: Yum Yum Instant Cup Noodles Tom Yum Chicken Super Flavour – Thailand

#3200: Yum Yum Instant Cup Noodles Tom Yum Chicken Super Flavour - Thailand

All I can think about when I see this one is Super Chicken. That in turn makes me think of Ice Cube. Which in turn reminds me of the days when I would ride on my mountain bike throughout the streets of Anacortes with a big boom box on the back blasting music and smoking cigarettes. ...see full post

Umai Crate Japanese Instant Noodles Father’s Day 2019

Umai Crate Japanese Instant Noodles Father's Day 2019

Tomorrow’s Father’s Day and if your pops is into Japanese culture and things dealing with noodles, etc, this is a good bet. Just check em out and get him a subscription and slap it in an envelope and say happy Father’s Day! He will actually love you now! Not that standard love but that ‘son/daughter, you got me something thoughtful and unique and I actually love you now’ – no seriously! ...see full post